This is a new column with items of interest to our readers pulled from the daily announcements at Broad Ripple Magnet High School.

• Congratulations to Kieryn Bowman, Nigel Leitzell and the Broad Ripple Magnet H.S. String Ensemble group A who will advance to State competition after receiving Division I Gold ratings at the ISSMA District Solo and Ensemble competition this past Saturday. Also receiving Gold ratings in Division II were Jessyca Woods, Kaleb Edwards, Ruby Smith and Broad Ripple Magnet H.S. String Ensemble group B. Congratulations! We are so proud of you!

• Reminder: Saturday, February 11, 2012, the Broad Ripple Magnet Rockets will be taking on the 2A Defending State Champion Park Tudor at Banker's Life Fieldhouse at 12:30pm. Buy a ticket for the high school game (at the Pacer ticket price) and you can come back that night and watch the Pacers play Denver. During the Rocket game you can sit anywhere in the Fieldhouse, first come first served. This game will be a preview of the Sectional #42 action later in the month, hosted by Broad Ripple Magnet High School. Thanks for all your support of the ROCKETS

• Congratulations to sophomore Alexandria Dunlap, who is now among the top 5 Jazz students saxophonists in the state. Alex was chosen last week to be part of a SUPER sax band at Butler University of five sax, trumpet & a great rhythm section AND the only female in the group. The SUPER Sax band is directed by Matt Karnstedt and the ensemble performs with guest artists at the Jazz Kitchen. Alexandria will serve for 8 weeks in the Super SaxBand . . . Congrats Alex! Go ROCKETS

• 2010 graduate Sarah Fox, an Earlham College junior has been selected as a Bonner Scholar. The Bonner Scholars program is a 4 yr developmental leadership program rooted in community service. It provides tuition & summer support for 15 Earlham students per class year who demonstrate a commitment to community service.

• 2011 graduate Kim Van Wyk participated in the Butler University Dance Marathon for Riley Hospital kids this past weekend. About 500 Butler students danced for 12 hours. Kim was the 23rd highest fund raiser. All told, over the last year, Butler students have helped raised $108,031 for Riley Hospital kids.

• Congratulations to Alexandria Dunlap, Darron Marble, Jesse Covarrubias, Pertra Carrillo, and Griselda Aleman, BRMHS Band students, who will be advancing to the State ISSMA competition after receiving gold ratings in the Southeast District competition this past Saturday. Alexandria and Darron received perfect scores, while Jesse, Petra, and Griselda received gold ratings in Group I. Congratulations also to Adam Jones, who received a silver rating in group I.

• Extreme congratulations to Broad Ripple Senior Artists: Ejaaz Collins, Joy Johnston, and Annmarie Ombao! Their art work will be receiving a GOLD KEY from the Scholastic Art And Writing Awards from Central and Southern Indiana Region. As gold key winners their work will move onto the National level. The Art will be on display at Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University from Tuesday, February 14 to Sunday, February 26. There will be an awards ceremony at Clowes on February 26 at 12:30.

• Congratulations Jordan Mather-Licht, Mellisa Chen, Simina Mansfield, BRMHS Theatre students recently cast in a film on health care fields being produced by IU Health. Congrats also to McKenzie Ross, selected as an alternate. Bravo and brava!!!

• Congratulations to this year's Spelling Bee winners! Benjamin Grimm was the first place winner and will move on to the IPS district competition. 2nd place winner was Brandon Vizuet, and 3rd place was Jakob Wagner. A special job well done to all the Spelling Bee contestants: Dewayne Thompson, Marlon Pinner, Arianna Mathis, Kaila Butler, Alyssia Clark, Teanna Hughley, Cheyenne Howard, Desiree Petty, Jasper Dugan, and Beshauna Gresham!